Active and passive devices for redistributing forces for the medial and lateral knee

ABSTRACT

Implant apparatus and methods directed toward treating conditions involving the knee joint are disclosed. Full range of motion of the knee joint and tissue integrity are maintained in treatment approaches. In one particular approach, osteoarthritis of the knee joint is addressed by unloading one or more of the lateral and medial compartments.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser. No.61/646,738, filed May 14, 2012, and U.S. Application Ser. No.61/784,774, filed Mar. 14, 2013, the entire disclosures of which areexpressly incorporated herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed towards systems and methods fortreating tissue of a body and more particularly, towards approachesdesigned to treat a natural joint and conditions involving the kneejoint specifically.

A joint is the location at which two or more bones make contact. Theyare constructed to allow movement and provide mechanical support, andare classified structurally and functionally. Structural classificationis determined by how the bones are connected to each other, whilefunctional classification is determined by the degree of movementbetween the articulating bones. In practice, there is significantoverlap between the two types of classifications.

There are three structural classifications of joints, namely fibrous orimmovable joints, cartilaginous joints and synovial joints.Fibrous/Immovable bones are connected by dense connective tissue,consisting mainly of collagen. The fibrous joints are further dividedinto three types: sutures which are found between bones of the skull;syndesmosis which are found between long bones of the body; andgomphosis which is a joint between the root of a tooth and the socketsin the maxilla or mandible.

Cartilaginous bones are connected entirely by cartilage (also known as“synchondroses”). Cartilaginous joints allow more movement between bonesthan a fibrous joint but less than the highly mobile synovial joint.Synovial joints have a space between the articulating bones for synovialfluid. This classification contains joints that are the most mobile ofthe three, and includes the knee and shoulder. These are furtherclassified into ball and socket joints, condyloid joints, saddle joints,hinge joints, pivot joints, and gliding joints.

Joints can also be classified functionally, by the degree of mobilitythey allow. Synarthrosis joints permit little or no mobility. They canbe categorized by how the two bones are joined together. That is,synchrondoses are joints where the two bones are connected by a piece ofcartilage. Synostoses are where two bones that are initially separatedeventually fuse together as a child approaches adulthood. By contrast,amphiarthrosis joints permit slight mobility. The two bone surfaces atthe joint are both covered in hyaline cartilage and joined by strands offibrocartilage. Most amphiarthrosis joints are cartilaginous.

Finally, diarthrosis joints permit a variety of movements (e.g. flexion,adduction, pronation). Only synovial joints are diarthrodial and theycan be divided into six classes: 1. ball and socket—such as the shoulderor the hip and femur; 2. Hinge—such as the elbow; 3. Pivot—such as theradius and ulna; 4. condyloidal (or ellipsoidal)—such as the wristbetween radius and carps, or knee; 5. Saddle—such as the joint betweencarpal thumbs and metacarpals; and 6. Gliding—such as between thecarpals.

Synovial joints (or diarthroses, or diarthroidal joints) are the mostcommon and most moveable type of joints in the body. As with all otherjoints in the body, synovial joints achieve movement at the point ofcontact of the articulating bones. Structural and functional differencesdistinguish the synovial joints from the two other types of joints inthe body, with the main structural difference being the existence of acavity between the articulating bones and the occupation of a fluid inthat cavity which aids movement. The whole of a diarthrosis is containedby a ligamentous sac, the joint capsule or articular capsule. Thesurfaces of the two bones at the joint are covered in cartilage. Thethickness of the cartilage varies with each joint, and sometimes may beof uneven thickness. Articular cartilage is multi-layered. A thinsuperficial layer provides a smooth surface for the two bones to slideagainst each other. Of all the layers, it has the highest concentrationof collagen and the lowest concentration of proteoglycans, making itvery resistant to shear stresses. Deeper than that is an intermediatelayer, which is mechanically designed to absorb shocks and distributethe load efficiently. The deepest layer is highly calcified, and anchorsthe articular cartilage to the bone. In joints where the two surfaces donot fit snugly together, a meniscus or multiple folds of fibro-cartilagewithin the joint correct the fit, ensuring stability and the optimaldistribution of load forces. The synovium is a membrane that covers allthe non-cartilaginous surfaces within the joint capsule. It secretessynovial fluid into the joint, which nourishes and lubricates thearticular cartilage. The synovium is separated from the capsule by alayer of cellular tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves.

Various maladies can affect the joints, one of which is arthritis.Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to thejoints of the body. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability inpeople over the age of 65.

There are many forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause.Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases inwhich the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by jointinfection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystalsin the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. The most commonform of arthritis, osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative jointdisease and occurs following trauma to the joint, following an infectionof the joint or simply as a result of aging.

Unfortunately, all arthritides feature pain. Patterns of pain differamong the arthritides and the location. Rheumatoid arthritis isgenerally worse in the morning; in the early stages, patients often donot have symptoms following their morning shower.

Maladies that can affect the knee joint specifically can be due tomisalignment or dislocation. Pain can exist when there is an excess offorce contact between the tibia and femur. This can be due tomisalignment associated arthritis or anatomical conditions specific toan individual. These problems usually occur toward the medial or lateralsides of the leg and during portions of the gait cycle.

Various muscles and ligaments run along the human leg and certain ofthese extend across a knee joint (See FIGS. 1A-D). On the lateral sideof the knee, a lateral (fibular) collateral ligament extends from thefemur to the fibula and an iliotibial band extends from the upper leg tothe tibia. The tendon of popliteus also runs between the femur and lowerleg and includes a length along the lateral side of the knee as well asa portion which wraps about the back of the knee and connects to thepopliteus muscle. The medical (tibial) collateral ligament extendsacross the knee on a medial side of the joint, as does the arcuateligament. In the front of the knee, there is the quadriceps tendon aboveand connected to the kneecap and below and extending from the kneecap isthe patellar ligament. Within the knee, there are the anterior cruciateligament and posterior cruciate ligament. Further, the knee anatomyincludes the articular capsule which contains the patella, ligaments,menisci and bursai. Each of such structures can be misaligned oraffected by disease causing unnatural gait or individual specificproblems.

The knee joint is capable of flexion and extension motions and canundergo slight rotational movement. It is this rotational component thataccounts for the frequency of knee injuries. In fact, tissue injury canmanifest as swelling about the knee, inability to bear weight or loss offunction. Fractures that enter the knee joint often render the jointdefective and the once smooth joint surface made irregular.Additionally, fractures resulting in improper limb alignment maycontribute to long-term morbidity like arthritis, instability, andfunctional loss of motion.

The stabilizing ligaments of the knee include the medial collateralligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and are locatedoutside the knee joint proper. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) andposterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are stabilizer ligaments locatedwithin the knee joint. The patellar ligament is located outside the kneejoint and functions to provide support for the knee by shielding it, andstrengthening the actions of the quadriceps femoris muscle. Inparticular, the collateral ligaments resist widening of the knee joint.The cruciate ligaments, which are within the knee joint proper resisthyperflexion and hyper extension and also slight rotational movements ofthe knee. Articular cartilage is bathed by synovial fluid thatlubricates the knee joint.

When these ligaments cannot function as intended due to trauma, injuryor disease such as arthritis, an individual's knee will not operateproperly and pain can result. Conventional treatments have includedmajor surgery where diseased areas of bone are removed or re-shaped orwhen ligaments are moved or reattached. Such approaches are of coursehighly invasive and can involve extended periods of recovery and canhave limited success.

It has additionally been observed that joints can suffer from specificpatterns of disease. For example, lateral osteoarthritis of a joint suchas the knee is characterized by a disease pattern tending to be aflexion based disease. As discussed above, the lateral knee has a morecomplex anatomy than the medial knee and has associated therewith anumber of unique neighboring musculoskeletal, vascular and neurologicalstructures, which thereby limit implant real estate. The motion of thelateral knee is also much broader than the medial knee. Such particularpatterns of disease can thus necessitate highly specific treatmentapproaches.

Recently, various approaches to force redistribution in a knee jointhave been proposed. In fact, it has been contemplated to insert implantsbelow the patellar tendon, lateral quadriceps-patellar tendon, thebiceps femoris tendon, iliotibial band, lateral gastrocnemius, popliteusor fibular collateral ligament to accomplish lateral displacement torealign force vectors and other moment arms loading the knee joint.

Sufficient attention does not appear to have been given in prior jointforce redistribution approaches, however, to treatment of the knee jointthroughout its full range of motion. Lateral osteoarthritis treatmentapproaches including those which operate specifically in a manner whichunloads a joint in flexion also appear to be lacking There is a furtherperceived need for avoiding negative remodeling of the knee ligaments aswell as approaches to maintain a desired alignment of an implant andtarget tissue.

Therefore, what is needed and heretofore lacking in prior attempts totreat joint pain associated with misalignment or dislocation is animplantation method and implant device which addresses full range ofjoint movement, and which maintains desired structural integrity ofanatomy forming the knee joint. There is thus also a need for bothpassive and active devices for accomplishing desired joint treatments.

The present disclosure addresses these and other needs.

SUMMARY

Briefly and in general terms, the present disclosure is directed towardstreating joint structures. In one aspect, there are disclosed approachesto redistributing forces of the joint to alleviate pain or to addressmisalignment.

In one particular embodiment, there is provided an implant which iscontoured to receive a tendon of the knee. The contour of the implant isconfigured to define structure preventing the tendon from disengagingfrom the implant during a full range of motion of a knee joint. Theimplant is also contoured to avoid negative remodeling of the tissue ofthe knee.

The implant can embody a fluid filled bladder which self-contours totissues. In one aspect, the implant can be adjustable through themovement, addition or removal of fluid. Various embodiments arecontemplated to treat knee joint misalignment and to inhibitdislocation, as well as to absorb unnatural loads applied by the bonesof the joint upon adjacent anatomy.

In a specific approach, an implant can include a two stage bladderhaving a main chamber for positioning under a ligament and a secondarychamber in communication with the main chamber. A valve can further beprovided between the main and secondary chambers. During gait, fluidremains in the main chamber and performs ligament tensioning. Duringrest periods and when the limb is straight, fluid passes to thesecondary chamber relieving tension on the ligament. This preventsnegative remodeling or stretching of the ligament, as the same causessuch therapy to become less effective over time.

An implant can include a chamber that is fluid or gas filled to providea compliant bolster and lengthening effect to increase a moment arm ofthe bolstered tendon or muscle. The chamber and bladder can be inflatedor expanded over time to provide an increasing size or stiffnessstructure, or deflated or contracted to provide an opposite effect. Avalve or injection port can be utilized for this functionality.

The implant can further be configured such that when a leg is inextension, there is no force or little force in a first chamber of theimplant. An elasticity of a second chamber is selected to cause fluid toflow into the first chamber. During gait, a valve between the chambersretains fluid within the first chamber. When at rest, with the joint inflexion the tendon presses fluid from the first chamber into the secondchamber.

In yet another approach, an implant is provided to treat a joint andfunctions to redistribute forces of a knee joint. The implant includesstructure accomplishing attachment of the implant to the target tendon.This implant can be a single spacer or can include one or more chambersthat contain fluid or gas. Such an implant thus remains in place duringa full range of motion of a knee joint.

An approach specific to treating lateral osteoarthritis of a joint isalso disclosed. An active unloading device assembly can be employed tounload a lateral knee compartment by implanting the assembly on a medialside of the joint. In one specific approach, the assembly is configuredto impart varizing load to the joint and to unload the lateralcompartment. The assembly can include an extendable tension loop whichapplies the desired varizing force. In one embodiment, the activeunloading assembly includes a first base configured to be affixed to afirst bone of a joint and a second base configured to be affixed to asecond bone of a joint. Extending from each base can be a projectionabout which a collar can be coupled in an articulating arrangement. Apiston can be further provided between the collars. The extendabletension loop is configured about the collars and across a joint toprovide the desired varizing load.

Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-D are various views, depicting the anatomy of a knee joint;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, depicting an implant attached to membersdefining a joint;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, depicting the structure of FIG. 2taken along line 3-3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, depicting the implant of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of alternative shaped implantsattached to a member of a joint;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, depicting another embodiment of an implantattached to members defining a joint;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, depicting the structure of FIG. 5taken along lines 6-6;

FIG. 7 is yet another perspective view, depicting another embodiment ofan implant attached to members defining a joint;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view, depicting the structure of FIG. 7taken along lines 8-8;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, depicting another embodiment of animplant;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views, depicting the implant of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view, depicting yet another embodiment of an implantplaced at a joint;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view, depicting excessive overload of alateral compartment of a knee joint;

FIG. 14 is a graphical representation, depicting knee flexion angles forlateral and medial osteoarthritis patients;

FIG. 15 is a graphical representation, depicting kinetic patterns of aknee joint;

FIG. 16 is a top view, depicting one approach to an active unloadingassembly;

FIGS. 17A-B are cross sectional views, depicting the assembly of FIG. 16attached across a joint; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view, depicting forces on a joint treatedwith the active unloading assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, which are provided by way of example andnot limitation, the present disclosure is directed towards apparatus andmethods for treating the knee joint. Misalignment or dislocation can bedue to natural anatomy specific to an individual or can be a function ofa disease or condition, such as arthritis. Significant pain can beassociated with these conditions and can be a direct result of excessiveforces being generated between joint members. In particular, painresults when there are undesirable force contacts between the tibia andthe femur or through inadequate anatomy separating these bones. Thepresent disclosure is directed at both passive and active devices foralleviating pain by redirecting or absorbing excess forces withoutpermanently remodeling tissues critical to the functioning of the kneejoint.

As shown in FIG. 1-4, one approach to treating conditions involving aknee can include the placement of a spacer or an implant 100 at the kneejoint 102. The implant 100 can be generally U-shaped and can includeterminal ends 104 configured to be affixed to body anatomy. In oneapproach, the terminal ends 104 include through holes 106 sized andshaped to receive bone screws 108 or other affixation structure. In thisway, the implant 100 can be attached directly to a femur 110, tibia 112or fibula 114 of the knee joint 102. Although the implants have beendescribed herein as attached to a bone surface beneath a tendon, theimplants can also reside beneath other anatomical structures includingligaments and muscles or a combination of anatomical structures. Theimplant can function to apply a tensioning force to all of thesurrounding structures in combination (i.e. displacing both tendon andmuscle tissue) to adjust alignment of the joint and redirect forcestransmitted through the joint.

As shown in FIG. 1, the implant 100 is affixed to the tibia 112 suchthat a midsection 120 of the implant 100 is configured under a ligamentor tendon 130. Here, the implant is shown positioned under the fibularcollateral ligament, but it is to be appreciated that the implant can bearranged under any knee structure so long as the desired redistributionof forces is accomplished. The terminal ends 104 of the implant 100 areshown directed away from the knee joint 102 but can alternatively bepointing toward the knee joint 102.

The implant 100 is further contoured to define a anatomically matchingstructure. It is thus contemplated that a lower surface 140 of theimplant 100 be curved to mimic the shape of the structure to which theimplant engages, such as the tibia 112 or femur 110. An upper surface142 is also contoured so as to fit nicely with the knee anatomy and mayinclude a lubricious coating or material permitting relative motionbetween the implant and knee anatomy.

In one embodiment, the upper surface 142 further includes a recess 144designed to receive the tendon 130. The recess 144 defines a troughthrough which the tendon 130 can be translated throughout a full rangeof articulation and valgus and varus motion or other rotation ormovement of the knee joint. Thus, a portion of the tendon 130 remainswithin the recess 144 throughout gait as well as when the knee joint isin complete flexion or extension, and all angles therebetween, and whenthe knee joint is loaded and unloaded. The trough 144 may be used toprevent the tendon from slipping off of the implant in the anterior orposterior directions. However for a wider or more stable ligament ortendon, no recess or trough may be needed.

The implant 100 can be configured to include one or more structure thatonly applies tension during gait, and then, during only portions of thegait cycle. Such structure can also include a load absorption componentacting during such intervals. Through this approach, undesirablepermanent remodeling of knee structure, and in particular unwantedlengthening of the tendon can be avoided.

Although a U-shaped implant is shown, other shapes may also be used aslong as the implant includes sufficient area for securing the implant tothe bone. Examples of other implant shapes include I-shaped, L-shaped orH-shaped. FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an implant 170 having an I-shapeand an implant 180 having an L-shape.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, there is shown another embodiment of aspacer or an implant 200. As before, the implant can be generallyU-shaped and includes terminal ends 204 configured to be affixed to bodyanatomy. Again, through holes 206 are provided to receive affixationstructure such as bone screws 108 so that the implant can be attacheddirectly to knee anatomy. An upper surface 242 of the implant 200 isintended to be lubricous to permit relative movement with a tendon 130.Moreover, the implant can be configured with its terminal ends 204directed toward or away from the knee joint 102 and can include amidsection 220 with a recess 244 shaped to receive the tendon 130through a full range of motion of the knee.

This embodiment of the implant further includes a fluid, gas or gelfilled chamber or bladder 250 which is accessible by an injection port252. The chamber 250 can form an integral structure with remainingportions of the implant 200 and portions of the implant 200 can embodyfiber woven reinforced fixation material to form a single bodiedstructure. The injection port 252 is employed to both place substanceswithin the chamber 200 and to be accessible to alter the volume orcomposition of the substance before and after implantation. The port canalso be used to remove all or most fluid when implanting or removing thedevice or to alter the softness or rigidity of the implant. Thestructure defining the chamber 250 can have an elasticity greater thanthat chosen for the remaining portions of the implant 200, such as forexample the terminal ends 204 which are designed to have a rigidity orrobustness suited for permanent attachment to knee anatomy. Thematerials are of course chosen to be biocompatible in any event.

The substance chosen to fill the chamber 250 is selected to cooperatewith the material chosen for walls defining the chamber 250 so thatdesired tensioning and load absorption can be effectuated. It is furthercontemplated to take advantage of fluid responses of the substanceschosen for placement within the chamber 250. For example, a viscousfluid or gel such as silicone hydrogel flows smoothly under low strainrates, but resists flow under high strain rates. Therefore, the fluid orgas chosen is intended to have a viscosity and the chamber walls aredesigned to have a flexibility to transmit tension along the tendons andto absorb excess forces so as to alleviate pain. Such tension and loadmanipulation can be reserved to occur only during gait, and for thatmatter, during only portions of gait. During rest, or otherwise whenthere is no pain due to forces associated with the this manipulation isremoved so that undesirable remodeling is avoided.

Thus, as the knee joint articulates during gait, the tendon 130 isguided through the implant recess 244. The tension transferring and loadabsorbing chamber 250 is sized and shaped to span the recess 244 so thatduring certain portions of gait, tension is transferred along the tendon130 and forces generated through the tendon 130 are absorbed in a mannerto relieve pain associated with the unnatural engagement of kneeanatomy. For example, forces between the tibia 104 and the femur 102 canbe alleviated and angles with which these bones are moved relative toadjacent anatomy can be altered to thereby minimize pain.

In yet another approach (FIGS. 7 and 8), the implant 300 can furtherinclude multiple chambers 350, 352 that are in fluid communication andwhich are versatile in accommodating tension and contact forces. Thegenerally U-shaped device can be extended to provide a platform abouteach of the chambers 350, 352. Here, again, the chambers 350, 352 aredesigned to receive gases or fluids which embody desirable viscositycharacteristics. Additionally, the first chamber 350 is intended to bearranged to be in apposition with the tendon 130 and the second chamber352 is to be positioned remote from the tendon 130. Also, as before, thewalls defining the chambers 350, 352 are formed from materials having anelasticity designed to achieve desired tension and contact forcemanipulation throughout the full range of motion of the knee joint. Aninjection port 354 is additionally included to provide access to thesecond chamber 352 so that the volume or composition of the substance inthe chamber can be altered.

A neck 356 joining the first 350 and second 352 chambers provides thefluid communication between the structures. A valve (not shown) can beconfigured in this area or the neck can define a small opening. Ineither approach, the neck 356 can be configured to play a role in themovement of fluid from one chamber to the next. For example, when a legof an individual is in extension, there is no force or little force onthe first chamber 350. The elasticity of the second chamber 352 ischosen to thus cause fluid to flow into the first chamber 350. Duringgait, the sizing of the neck 356 is such that its flow access is limitedso that there is insufficient time for fluid to pass from the firstchamber 350 to the second chamber 352. Rather, the fluid remains butflows within the first chamber 350 to thereby provide tension andcontact force manipulation and absorption. When seated or otherwiseplacing the knee joint in other resting or non-gait positions, with thejoint in flexion, the force of the tendon 130 presses fluid out of thefirst chamber 350 into the second chamber 352. As such, the firstchamber 350 is reduced in size during this juncture, and the tendon isnot subjected to tension and force manipulation. By not engaging in thismanipulation, the tendon 130 can be unloaded and remodeling thereof isavoided.

In a related approach, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, an implant 400 designedto accomplish tension and contact forces manipulation can be affixeddirectly to the tendon 130. This implant 400 can further include one ormore of the features described above including one or more fluid filledchambers. Further, it is again contemplated that the device be formedfrom biocompatible materials. This particular implant 400 furtherembodies a porous or mesh tendon contacting surface 402 and a lubriciousbearing surface 404. The porous mesh surface 402 supports ligamentingrowth and aids in attachment to the tendon 130. The lubriciousbearing surface 404 slides along knee anatomy during articulation.Through holes 400 are further provided and sized and shaped to receivefastening structure 410 for assuring a strong affixation to the tendon130. In this way, relative movement between the implant 400 and ligamentis eliminated and the implant 400 is thus always correctly positioned toprovide desired tensioning and contact force load manipulation andabsorption.

With reference to FIG. 12, there is shown in yet another embodiment ofan implant 500. This implant 500 can include one or more of the abovedescribed features, such as one or more chambers, and further embodies agenerally inverted J-shape. A vertically extending portion 502 of theimplant 500 is provided with through holes sized and shaped to receivefastening structure such as bone screws 108. A laterally extendingportion 508 includes a recess 510 for receiving a tendon 130. Althoughthe implant 500 is shown attached to the tibia 112, it can also beaffixed to the femur 110 or fibula 114 as well. This approachillustrates that an asymmetric implant can be employed to accomplishdesired treatment of the knee joint. A further deviation would be toeliminate the vertically extending portion 502 and to include affixationstructure within the recess 510. The J-shaped implant 500 can alsofunction as a hook to change the path of the tendon.

The implants described herein are designed to displace a tendon or otheranatomical, joint spanning structure in a direction away from the jointto increase the tension in the tendon or other structure. The increasedtension causes load to be transferred within the joint structure. For,example an laterally placed implant increases the tension in the lateralligaments and shifts a portion of the load in the knee joint from themedial surfaces to the lateral surfaces of the joint. Although thedisplacement of the tendon is shown as generally in a direction awayfrom the joint, other displacement of the tendon can also function toincrease tension and redistribute forces in the joint. In one example, aJ-shaped or hook shaped implant can displace a portion of a ligament inan anterior or posterior direction causing the ligament to travel alonga longer trajectory than the natural trajectory increasing tension inthe ligament.

Conventional approaches to inserting the above-described implants withinknee anatomy are contemplated. Arthroscopic approaches can be employedalong with fluoroscopy or other imaging techniques to properly positionthe treatment devices. Prior to implantation, the anatomy of thepatient's knee is assessed to determine a best course of treatment, andto identify a configuration of implant which best suits the patient'sspecific condition. The knee is rotated and turned through its fullrange of motion to identify proper implantation sites and to access thebest manner for redistributing tensions and contact forces, with theobjective of reducing pain. Further, the implant can be configured inits most compressed configuration for implantation and then reconfiguredto function in a treatment capacity. Subsequent to implantation, theimplant can be reconfigured to present an altered profile to achieveoptimum results.

The foregoing therefore provides an implant embodying a compliantbolster and lengthening affect to increase a moment arm of the bolsteredtendon for the purpose of relieving pain or other symptoms involving theknee. The size or stiffness of the implant can be altered to achieve thedesired bolstering or manipulation of tension and contact forces. Ingeneral, for positioning an implant on the medial or lateral side of theknee joint having a height selected to increase tension in the tendon byat least 5 pounds can provide opening of the joint space on the oppositeside of the knee joint an associated pain relief

As noted above, the anatomy of the lateral side of the knee joint iscomplicated as compared with the medial side. Thus, real estate for animplant is limited on the lateral side of the knee joint 102. However,osteoarthritis can of course affect either side of a knee joint. Asshown in FIG. 13, there can exist for example, an excessive overload ofa lateral compartment of a knee. Here, the larger arrows indicategreater forces in a joint on a lateral side 600 of a joint 102 ascompared with the medial side 602. One treatment modality is to unloadthe lateral compartment by moving load onto the medial compartment usingan implant attached to the medial knee. The implant is contemplated toactively import a varizing load to the knee and to unload the lateralcompartment.

To be an effective treatment, however, such imparting of varizing loadsshould take into consideration one or both of specific characteristicsof lateral osteoarthritis and the kinematic patterns of the lateral sideof a knee joint. With reference to FIG. 14, there is shown arelationship between knee flexion angles and the occurrence of contactbetween femoral lesion margin and midpoint contact with the tibia.Clearly, such contact occurs over a much larger range of angles offlexion for the lateral side of a knee joint (from zero to over eightydegrees of flexion) as compared with the medial side (from zero to lessthan forty degrees). Thus, a successful treatment modality for lateralOA should work over a large range of flexion angles and should operateto unload the joint in flexion as well as extension. Further, if OA canbe identified to be mainly in the anterior, mid, or posterior portion ofthe lateral compartment, treatment can be tailored to unload at theappropriate flexion angle. For example, unloading at 1-10 degrees foranterior OA, unloading at 35-45 degrees for mid lateral compartment OA,and unloading at 60-80 degrees for posterior OA. For an implant designedto unload the entire lateral compartment, the implant is preferablydesigned to tension the medial ligaments and/or tendons over at least 50degrees of motion and more preferably over at least 70 degrees ofmotion.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 15, the motions of the lateral knee are muchbroader than that of the medial knee. That is, the spacing within themedial capsule between the femur and tibia falls within a relativelynarrow height, ranging around 24 mm to 25 mm, whereas the spacing withinthe tibial capsule decreases from 24 mm at 0° flexion to 13 mm at 90°flexion. With this broad kinematic pattern on the lateral side of a kneejoint, the kinematic requirements for implants utilizing lateralattachment points necessarily increases. Accordingly, both the lack ofreal estate and the greater range of movement on the lateral side of theknee joint suggest implanting a device for treating lateralosteoarthritis on the medial side.

In one embodiment and treatment approach, an active unloading assembly610 is contemplated to be configured across a knee joint (See FIGS.16-17B). The active component of the assembly 610 is a tension assembly612 configured to apply a varizing tension force to unload the lateralcomponent. Thus, the tension assembly 612 and remaining portions of theactive unloading assembly 610 are affixed to a medial side of a kneejoint 102 to thereby create the desired tension force for unloading thelateral compartment. It is also contemplated that the devices can beattached on other joints and at various angles and various sides ofjoints to create other desired effects.

The active unloading assembly 610 can further include a first baseassembly 614 for attachment to a femur 110, as well as a second baseassembly 616 for attachment to a tibia 112 (FIGS. 17A-B). Extending fromeach base 614, 616 can be a projection 620 configured to receiveopposite ends of the tensioning assembly 612. The projections 620 areconfigured to provide an articulating connection between the bases 614,616 and the tensioning assembly 612.

The tension assembly 612 includes a tension loop 622 configured about apair of spaced collars 624. The collars 624 are each sized and shaped toreceive one base projection 620 and to provide an articulatingstructure. Although the collars 624 as shown connected to the bases inan articulating manner by projections, other methods of connecting thecollars to the bases in an articulating manner may also be employed,such as ball and socket joints. Alternatively, the collars may be formedintegrally with the bases and the articulation may be omitted in whichcase the flexibility required by the system would be provided by thetension loop alone. The articulating structure accommodates the motionof the members of a joint 102 during flexion and extension. Further, atelescoping piston assembly 630 can be configured between the collars624, the same helping to ensure the integrity and stability of thesystem. As the joint members transition between flexion and extension,the member of the piston assembly 630 slide with respect to each other.In some situations where the added stability is not needed, thetelescoping assembly can be omitted.

The tension loop 622 as shown in the present application is abiocompatible elastomeric band having a circular cross section. However,other types of tension bands, cables or springs may also be used.

Employing conventional techniques, the active loading assembly isimplanted on a medial side, and across a knee joint. The tensionassembly 612 operates to apply a varizing force to the lateralcompartment during the natural motion of the knee, so as to off-load thelateral compartment to address an osteoarthritic condition. It isfurther contemplated that the tension can be applied during less than afull cycle of limb articulation or throughout an entireflexion-extension cycle. It is also contemplated that a contact orvariable tension force is provided by the assembly.

With reference now to FIG. 18, there is shown the forces on a jointafter treatment with the active unloading assembly. As shown, the forceson the lateral side 600 of a knee joint, as compared with thosepreviously existing in an untreated joint shown in FIG. 13 aredecreased, and forces are generally balanced across the joint. Painassociated with undisclosed forces associated with lateralosteoarthritis is thus remedied.

Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoing that, while particularforms of the invention have been illustrated and described, variousmodifications can be made without parting from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. In particular, one or more features of one specificapproach can be incorporated into another approach. Additionally, thepresent disclosure can be made to be applicable to other medicalconditions.

We claim:
 1. A method of treating lateral osteoarthritis of a joint,comprising: implanting a treatment assembly on a medial side of a kneejoint; imparting a varizing load to the joint to unload a lateral kneecompartment.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying atension across bones defining the joint on the medial side to unload thelateral knee compartment.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisingproviding an active unloading assembly including a first base, a secondbase and a tension member configured between the first and second bases.4. The method of claim 3, further comprising attaching the first base toa first bone of the joint and attaching the second base to the secondbone of the joint.
 5. The method of claim 4, further comprisingconfiguring the tensioning member to impart a tension between the firstand second bones.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the treatmentassembly applies tension throughout a complete flexion-extension cycleof the joint.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the treatment assemblyapplies tension throughout less than a complete flexion-extension cycleof the joint.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein tensioning memberincludes a elastomeric member.
 9. The method of claim 3, wherein thetreatment assembly includes a first collar associated with the firstbase and a second collar associated with the second base and wherein thetension member is configured about the first and second collars.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the treatment assembly further includes apiston attached at its ends to the first and second collars.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the method comprises providing a passivetensioning assembly affixed to the bone and configured under a ligamentor tendon.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the passive tensioningassembly includes a fluid, gas or gel filled implant.
 13. A treatmentdevice on a joint comprising: a first base with a first collarprojecting therefrom; a second base with a second collar projectingtherefrom; a piston having a first end connected to the first collar anda second end connector to the second collar; and a tension loopconfigured about the first and second collars.
 14. The treatment deviceof claim 13, wherein the first based includes a first projection and thesecond base includes a second projection.
 15. The treatment device ofclaim 14, further comprising an articulating connection between thefirst collar and the first projection.
 16. The treatment device of claim14, further comprising an articular connection between the second collarand the second projection.
 17. The treatment device of claim 14, furthercomprising an articulating connection between each of the first collarand first projection and the second collar and second projection. 18.The treatment device of claim 13, wherein the device applies tensionthrough a complete flexion-extension.
 19. The treatment device of claim13, wherein the device applies tension through less than completeflexion-extension cycle of the joint.
 20. The treatment device of claim13, wherein the first base is configured to be attached to a medial sideof a femur.
 21. The treatment device of claim 13, wherein the secondbase is configured to be attached to a medial side of a tibia.
 22. Thetreatment device of claim 13, wherein the first base is configured to beattached to a lateral side of a femur.
 23. The treatment device of claim13, wherein the second base is configured to be attached to a lateralside of a tibia.
 24. The treatment device of claim 13, wherein thedevice is configured to provide a varizing load to the joint.
 25. A kneejoint implant, comprising: a tendon engaging portion, the tendonengaging portion configured to engage the tendon throughout at least 50degrees of motion of the knee joint; and a tension redistribution andcontact force manipulation portion configured to alleviate painassociated with knee structure misalignment.
 26. The knee joint implantof claim 25, wherein the tension redistribution and contact forcemanipulation portion is configured to operate during less than an entireportion of a gait cycle.
 27. The knee joint implant of claim 25, thetendon engaging portion further comprising a first chamber containing agas or fluid.
 28. The knee joint implant of claim 27, wherein the firstchamber contains a hydrogel.
 29. The knee joint implant of claim 27, thetendon engaging portion further comprising a second chamber configuredto be in fluid communication with the first chamber.
 30. The knee jointimplant of claim 29, further comprising a neck structure joining thefirst and second chambers.
 31. The knee joint implant of claim 30,further comprising a valve configured within the neck structure.
 32. Theknee joint implant of claim 30, wherein the neck structure is configuredto control movement between the first and second chamber.
 33. The kneejoint implant of claim 27, further comprising an injection port throughwhich fluid or gas can be passed into or out of the first chamber. 34.The knee joint implant of claim 29, further comprising an injection portthrough which fluid or gas can be passed into or out of the first orsecond chambers.
 35. The knee joint implant of claim 27, wherein the gasor fluid flows within the first chamber to provide a range of tensionredistribution and contact force manipulation during portions of gait.36. The knee joint implant of claim 29, wherein the gas or fluid flowsbetween the first and second chambers to provide a range of tensionredistribution and contact force manipulation during portions of gait.37. The knee joint implant of claim 29, wherein the fluid or gas passesto the second chamber during rest and when the tendon is straightened torelieve tension on the tendon and to avoid remodeling of anatomy. 38.The knee joint implant of claim 25, wherein the implant is configured toavoid permanent remodeling of knee anatomy.
 39. The knee joint implantof claim 25, wherein a substance is employed as the gas or fluid so thatthere is a smooth flow of the substance under low strain rates, but flowis resisted under high strain rates.
 40. The knee joint implant of claim25, wherein the implant defines a bolster and creates a tendonlengthening effect to increase a moment arm of a bolstered tendon. 41.The knee joint implant of claim 25, wherein the implant is generallyU-shaped.
 42. The knee joint implant of claim 25, wherein the implant isgenerally J-shaped.
 43. The knee joint implant of claim 25, furthercomprising fasteners to attach the implant to knee anatomy.
 44. The kneejoint implant of claim 43, wherein the implant is attached to the tendonso that relative motion between the implant and tendon is eliminated.45. The knee joint implant of claim 44, the tendon engaging portionfurther comprises an upper side facing the tendon that includes tissuein growth structure.
 46. The knee joint implant of claim 45, the tendonengaging portion further comprising a lower side including a lubricioussurface.
 47. The knee joint implant of claim 42, the tendon engagingportion further comprising an upper surface facing the tendon thatincludes a lubricious surface.
 48. The knee joint implant of claim 42,the tendon engaging portion further comprising an upper surfaceincluding a trough for receiving a portion of the tendon throughout thefull range of motion of the knee joint.
 49. A method for treating a kneejoint suffering from pain, comprising: inserting an implant below atendon; and configuring the implant so that it engages the tendonthroughout at least 50 degrees of motion of the knee joint and so as tocause tension redistribution and contact force manipulation to alleviatepain.
 50. The method of claim 49, wherein tension redistribution andcontrol force manipulation operates less than an entire portion of agait cycle.
 51. The method of claim 49, further comprising configuringthe implant so that permanent remodeling of the tendon is avoided. 52.The method of claim 50, further comprising providing the implant with atleast one chamber containing a substance which flows within the at leastone chamber to accomplish desired tension and force manipulation. 53.The method of claim 49, wherein the implant is inserted in a compressedstate.
 54. The method of claim 52, further comprising providing theimplant with an injection port to insert or remove the substance formthe chamber to thereby change the profile or rigidity of the chamber.55. The method of claim 49, wherein the implant is configured to changea trajectory of the tendon from a natural trajectory of the tendon. 56.The method of claim 49, wherein the implant is position on the medialside of the knee joint to relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis ofthe lateral compartment of the knee joint.
 57. The method of claim 56,wherein the implant is positioned below the tendon in a position whichprovides tensioning of the tendon throughout at least 50 degrees ofmotion of the knee joint.
 58. The method of claim 49, wherein theimplant is position on the medial side of the knee joint to relieve painassociated with osteoarthritis of the lateral compartment of the kneejoint.
 59. The method of claim 49, wherein the implant is configured toincrease a tension in the tendon by at least 5 pounds over the tensionprovided in the tendon without the implant.